Introduction to Obsidian

Bryan Hogan's introduction to Obsidian as a note-taking application for knowledge work and personal notes.

Why Obsidian?

Key advantages highlighted:

• Local Files & Open Format: Works with local markdown files, an open format usable across multiple applications
• File Ownership: Since files are stored locally, users maintain complete ownership and control, protecting against "enshittification"
• Powerful Linking: Enables creating interlinked content using `` syntax
• Customization: Allows personalization through plugins to match individual use cases
• Community: Benefits from a large, active user community
• Cross-Platform: Desktop and mobile versions offer equal feature sets

The author references the CEO's article on "file over app" philosophy and notes they've written a detailed Notion vs Obsidian comparison.

Rules to Keep in Mind

Key advice: - Avoid FOMO marketing anxiety when exploring features - Set limits on customization exploration - "Keep it simple. Obsidian should help you work on other things" - Critically evaluate what features are actually needed

How I Use Obsidian

Four primary use cases:

1. Content Creation: Blog posts and monthly email newsletters
2. Knowledge Management: Information collection and summarization using bottom-up approaches
3. Project Management: Personal projects and life tracking
4. Media Tracking: Books, video games, and YouTube videos (utilizing Obsidian Bases)

System approach: - Avoids custom themes - Minimizes plugin usage - Uses core plugins built by Obsidian team rather than community plugins - Implements a Zettelkasten and Evergreen notes system with bottom-up methodology

The author emphasizes flexibility, noting that simpler folder-based organization works fine if already functional.

Syncing & Back-ups

Syncing method: - Google Drive (Windows Desktop) - DriveSync (Android) - GitHub for periodic backups

References a detailed post comparing multiple syncing approaches.

Graph-view & Canvas

Mixed reviews: Graph view, while visually appealing on social media, sees limited practical daily use. Canvas feature described as needing additional development and receives occasional use.

Similar Tools

Tools the author uses: - Notion: Collaborative content and database management (Kanban boards) - Logseq: Daily journaling and short notes

Mentioned alternatives (not currently used): Capacities, Octarine, SilverBullet, SiYuan, AnyType, and Affine.

Author: Bryan Hogan (Developer, Designer, Builder)